Learning a Lesson.

Hey! I thought it was time to blog again before my buddy Alison reminds me that it is time! :) So although I don't have much to share I can tell you that I really feel like I am learning a lesson. That lesson is to "Let go and let God" well...not only to let God but let His people take care of me when I need it. The last week has been horrible for me in terms of health. I ended up in the ER one night due to some intense abdominal pain and it has been a roller coaster of thoughts and feelings as I wait for results from the various tests that I have been put through. During this time I have been instructed to pull back and allow God and my people take care of some of the responsibilities for this week. As tough as it has been I have learned or RE learned some very valuable lessons. The biggest one I will share tonight is that if I don't step back, other people in the kingdom can't and won't be able to find their place in the church. By allowing someone else to lead the service, preach, and lead worship these people can experience the blessings that come when we serve Him. So that is what I wanted to share. I am learning, leaning and trusting. Praise God for His peace. Blessings.

The Simplicities of Ministry

So, the craziness of Christmas is over...Well not quite for us. We are having some more celebrations with our best friends who are coming here in Feb! So where almost every other household has their trees, nativities and lights put away, ours are still up! I feel like it is advent all over again! Only we don't have kettles, services or hampers to organize! Although I enjoyed every moment of it! I do want to give God credit for our amazing success of kettles this year...We managed to have a 116% increase of kettle income! That's right, we over doubled the goal! Also ALL families with kids were sponsored out which meant 47 less families to provide food and toys for! I would say that Christmas was a great success!!! All aspects of Christmas was fun but I am looking forward to celebrating some more!

I did want to share something that blessed my socks off. Yesterday we began a second Bible Study. We are working through "My New Life in Christ" our 4 new converts. We have opened the study up for all those who want to get back to basics and learn how to disciple others. Anyhow, during our first study one man gave his heart back to the Lord. Another man who attended has been Christian for awhile and he learned how to use the Bible for the first time!!! He had NO clue what the numbers were for...He said he always wondered what they were but couldn't figure it out. I was so excited today when he stopped by the church to tell us that he went home after Bible Study last night and looked up all the verses we talked about last night. He was SOOO excited to know how and he highlighted all the verses himself for the first time! THAT was SOOOO rewarding. So I guess what I am trying to say is that although Christmas was a success and a joy...It is the simplicities of ministry that have me stoked. Simply sitting down to teach someone how to navigate through the Bible, or sharing the miracle of salvation with those searching is what makes my life full of joy. My advent, my anticipation is not only applied to Christmas. I anticipate the many opportunities that God is going to give to share, teach, grow and love people into the kingdom. May God bless your New Year!